The best Houston-born athletes

By Compiled by Chron.com Staff

on March 22, 2013 12:00 AM

Brittney Griner led Nimitz High School to an appearance at the 5A state championship game. At Baylor she has won a national championship and racked up numerous awards.

Brittney Griner led Nimitz High School to an appearance at the 5A state championship game. At Baylor she has won a national championship and racked up numerous awards.

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

Brittney Griner led Nimitz High School to an appearance at the 5A... Photo-3981415.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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Andrew Luck threw for more than 7,000 during his high school career at Stratford. During his college career he was a two-time All-American for Stanford. In 2012, the quarterback was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. less

Andrew Luck threw for more than 7,000 during his high school career at Stratford. During his college career he was a two-time All-American for Stanford. In 2012, the quarterback was the No. 1 overall pick in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Andrew Luck threw for more than 7,000 during his high school career... Photo-4030985.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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Roger Clemens played for four major league teams and made it to 11 All-Star Games. In 1986 he was the American League MVP. He went to Spring Woods High School and later played at the University of Texas.

Roger Clemens played for four major league teams and made it to 11 All-Star Games. In 1986 he was the American League MVP. He went to Spring Woods High School and later played at the University of Texas.

Roger Clemens played for four major league teams and made it to 11... Photo-4225308.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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As a high school player at Madison, Vince Young compiled 12,987 total yards. He won a national championship versus USC for the Texas Longhorns and was drafted No. 3 overall in the 2006 draft by the Tennessee Titans. less

As a high school player at Madison, Vince Young compiled 12,987 total yards. He won a national championship versus USC for the Texas Longhorns and was drafted No. 3 overall in the 2006 draft by the Tennessee ... more

Photo: Gary Wiepert, Associated Press

As a high school player at Madison, Vince Young compiled 12,987... Photo-3478889.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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After a successful career at Katy High School, Andy Dalton played four years at TCU. He owns the school records for touchdowns, passing yards, wins and several others. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011. less

After a successful career at Katy High School, Andy Dalton played four years at TCU. He owns the school records for touchdowns, passing yards, wins and several others. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

After a successful career at Katy High School, Andy Dalton played... Photo-2007263.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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Andy Pettitte played at Deer Park High School. He spent the majority of his career with the New York Yankees, but had a three-year stint with the Astros. He was a three-time All Star and five-time World Series champion. less

Andy Pettitte played at Deer Park High School. He spent the majority of his career with the New York Yankees, but had a three-year stint with the Astros. He was a three-time All Star and five-time World Series ... more

Michael Bourn went to Nimitz for high school and spent his college playing days at UH. He has played for the Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and now the Cleveland Indians.

Michael Bourn went to Nimitz for high school and spent his college playing days at UH. He has played for the Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and now the Cleveland Indians.

Photo: James Nielsen, Chronicle

Michael Bourn went to Nimitz for high school and spent his college... Photo-4368972.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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T.J. Ford led Willowridge to Class 5A state titles in 2000 and 2001 with a combined record of 75-1, including a 62-game win streak.He guidedthe Longhorns to the Final Four as a sophomore in 2003. His NBA career was shortened by injuries, but he played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs. less

T.J. Ford led Willowridge to Class 5A state titles in 2000 and 2001 with a combined record of 75-1, including a 62-game win streak. He guided the Longhorns to the Final Four as a sophomore in 2003. His NBA ... more

Zina Garrison won the national girls' 18-year-old title at age 14. She skipped her graduation from Sterling High School to compete in first pro tournament, the French Open, where she lost to Martina Navratilova in the quarterfinals. She had 34 professional victories. She was a Wimbledon singles finalist in 1990 and won Olympic gold and bronze medals in 1988. less

Zina Garrison won the national girls' 18-year-old title at age 14. She skipped her graduation from Sterling High School to compete in first pro tournament, the French Open, where she lost to Martina Navratilova ... more

Photo: Andrew Innerarity, Chronicle

Zina Garrison won the national girls' 18-year-old title at age... Photo-1330954.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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Craig James rushed for a Class 5A record 2,411 yards to lead Stratford to 1978 state championship. At SMU, James was MVP of the 1980 Holiday Bowl. He was a three-time All-Southwest Conference selection at SMU with 3,743 career rushing yards. He played five seasons with the Patriots, rushing for 1,227 yards in 1985. less

Craig James rushed for a Class 5A record 2,411 yards to lead Stratford to 1978 state championship. At SMU, James was MVP of the 1980 Holiday Bowl. He was a three-time All-Southwest Conference selection at SMU ... more

Photo: Chronicle

Craig James rushed for a Class 5A record 2,411 yards to lead... Photo-1330956.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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Tara Lipinski was the 1997 national and world figure skating champion. At 15, she won the ladies singles gold medal to become youngest individual gold medalist in Winter Olympics history.

Tara Lipinski was the 1997 national and world figure skating champion. At 15, she won the ladies singles gold medal to become youngest individual gold medalist in Winter Olympics history.

Photo: SMILEY N. POOL, HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Tara Lipinski was the 1997 national and world figure skating... Photo-4368891.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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Slater Martin led Davis High School to state championships in 1942 and 1943. He led the Longhorns to their highest NCAA finish ever (third place) in 1947. His jersey was retired by UT in 2009.
He played for five NBA championship teams and was seven-time NBA All-Star. less

Slater Martin led Davis High School to state championships in 1942 and 1943. He led the Longhorns to their highest NCAA finish ever (third place) in 1947. His jersey was retired by UT in 2009.
He played for ... more

Photo: Houston Mavericks

Slater Martin led Davis High School to state championships in 1942... Photo-1330959.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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Dominique Moceanu moved with family to Houston at age 10 to train with Bela and Martha Karolyi. She is the youngest U.S. women’s all-around champion in history in 1995, won Olympic gold medal at 14 as member of USA gymnastics team and all-around championship at 1998 Goodwill Games. less

Dominique Moceanu moved with family to Houston at age 10 to train with Bela and Martha Karolyi. She is the youngest U.S. women’s all-around champion in history in 1995, won Olympic gold medal at 14 as member ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Dominique Moceanu moved with family to Houston at age 10 to train... Photo-4369037.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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Cat Osterman was the national high school player of the year at Cypress Springs in 2001 with 451 strikeouts and a 0.00 ERA. She was the four-time Big 12 pitcher of the year at Texas and was recently inducted to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. She earned gold and silver Olympic medals. less

Cat Osterman was the national high school player of the year at Cypress Springs in 2001 with 451 strikeouts and a 0.00 ERA. She was the four-time Big 12 pitcher of the year at Texas and was recently inducted to ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Cat Osterman was the national high school player of the year at... Photo-4368893.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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Two years after moving to Houston to train with Bela and Martha Karolyi, Mary Lou Retton became the first U.S. woman to win the Olympic women’s all-around gold medal in 1984. Also won two Olympic silver and two bronze medals. Retired after winning third consecutive American Cup in 1985.
She from Texas and continues to live in Houston. Inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. less

Two years after moving to Houston to train with Bela and Martha Karolyi, Mary Lou Retton became the first U.S. woman to win the Olympic women’s all-around gold medal in 1984. Also won two Olympic silver and ... more

Photo: Lionel Cironneau, AP

Two years after moving to Houston to train with Bela and Martha... Photo-1330963.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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At 19, diver Laura Wilkinson won first two of 19 USA Diving national championships in 1997.
She won the 2000 Olympic platform gold medal and is only woman to win Olympic, World Cup and world championship gold medals on platform. less

At 19, diver Laura Wilkinson won first two of 19 USA Diving national championships in 1997.
She won the 2000 Olympic platform gold medal and is only woman to win Olympic, World Cup and world championship gold ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

At 19, diver Laura Wilkinson won first two of 19 USA Diving... Photo-4368894.21322 - Houston Chronicle

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Rob Williams averaged 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game at Milby from 1976-79 and was twice All-state and All-American. He was selected All-Southwest Conference in 1980 and 1981 and SWC player of the year in 1981 at the University of Houston. Heleft UH after 1982 season as two-time All-American with 21.1 per game average. He was drafted in the first round by the Denver Nuggets in 1982 but played only two NBA seasons. Later played in Italy, Australia, Spain and the Philippines. less

Rob Williams averaged 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game at Milby from 1976-79 and was twice All-state and All-American. He was selected All-Southwest Conference in 1980 and 1981 and SWC ... more